Tips On Maintaining Sparkling, Healthy Teeth And Gums

By Rachel Swaim

Professional Teeth Cleaning

Photo Provided with Permission

Tips for Dental Hygiene

They say “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but what about a dentist? Flossing, flossing, and more flossing. Well, that’s at least what our parents always told us growing up, but what if there was more to dental hygiene than that? Well, there is! There are many tips and tricks that are sure to make every dentist’s appointment quick and pain-free; no longer will you have to worry about the cost cavities and fillings, because here are some helpful tips suggested by certified dentists.

Dental Care

About 44 million Americans live without insurance, which leaves many without the proper care that they deserve. Many have decided to go without insurance because of the price of a plan, which causes many Americans to put dental care on the back burner. Dental insurance is seen by many as an unneeded precaution because it isn’t seen as a life or death situation. Dental hygiene is still as important as any other health precaution; dental hygiene prevents your risk of heart disease, reduces the risk of infection, and helps keep your blood sugar stable. Here are some affordable dental insurance plans.

eHealth: ehealth has highly competitive prices, and no matter your price range you should be able to find something that fits into your hectic life. They also have 24/7 live chat so no matter your problems their helpful staff are sure to keep your life stress free, and with their online account management, you can be sure to stay financially stable.

1D Dental: With unlimited use, 1D dental is great for those who want a great insurance plan without having to break a bank. At an affordable price of $99 a year, no matter your financial status you can keep yourself healthy.

Finding the right toothbrush

Of course, it is important to brush your teeth every day, but for most of us, that is about as far as we will go into your dental care. Finding the right toothbrush not only makes your mouth cleaner, but it also makes you healthier. Colgate states, “Though your saliva helps protect you against some invaders, it can’t always do the job. More than 500 species of bacteria thrive in your mouth at any given time. These bacterias constantly form dental plaque - a sticky, colorless film that can cling to your teeth and cause health problems”. Finding the right toothbrush is a step in the right direction in order to make sure that you are keeping your mouth healthy. The Canadian Dental Association says that one of the first things to look for in a toothbrush is soft, round bristles; this keeps your gums protected, and prevents irritation. Brushing too hard can lead to sensitive teeth, so it is very important to brush softly. Also, it’s important to remember that everyone’s mouths are different. Your toothbrush should comfortably reach your back molars, while still fitting in between your gums and cheeks. Lastly, don’t be afraid of powered toothbrushes; while they can be more expensive they are also better at protecting yourself against disease and illness. While many of use like the manual toothbrush, this can cause arthritis, and can leave your gums grimmy. Powered toothbrushes are sure to make sure you are keeping your mouth as clean as it can be.

Watch what you eat

Growing up we were always told that food is the source of all evil that can cause gum disease and cavities. This doesn’t mean that all food is bad, or any food is bad, just that certain foods should be ate in moderation. Some of the foods that we should be careful while eating are highly acidic food and food high in sugars. Acidic foods are one of the most harming ingredients that we can put in our mouths. Foods like lemons, pickles, and coffee can erode our enamel, which causes cavities and tooth decay.

Many different forms of bacteria live in our mouths, and those bacteria’s thrive off of sugars, which create acids and cavities. While it is impossible to completely get rid of sugar in our diet, there is a way to minimize our intake. Being cautious of what we eat is one of the most important ways of making sure we are not intaking too much sugar.